CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, lower back (lumbar spine)

Facility: Unitypoint Health - Des Moines Iowa Methodist Medi

Billing Code: 72131 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72131
Insurance Median: $124
Cash Discount Price: $371
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.16x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, lower back (lumbar spine) at Unitypoint Health - Des Moines Iowa Methodist Medi is $124. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $371. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $106.81, this hospital’s rate is 1.16x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1200 Pleasant Street, Des Moines, IA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$371

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$124

Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.

Medicare Reference Rate

$106.81

Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.

Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare

Medicare Reference Baseline: $106.81 (100%)

Cash / Self-Pay: $371 (347%)

Insurance Median: $124 (116%)

Cash: $371 (347% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $124 (116% of Medicare)

Understanding this gauge: We use the federal Medicare rate of $106.81 as the cost baseline. Rates below the baseline represent excellent value. In-network commercial rates commonly hover around 150% - 250% of Medicare, while rates exceeding 300% are elevated. Hover over the green and blue markers to view detailed calculations.

Out-of-Pocket Cost Estimator

Estimate whether it is more economical to use your insurance or pay the upfront self-pay cash rate.

Billing Status

Remaining Deductible ($)

Your Coinsurance Rate (%)

Input your details and click calculate to compare out-of-pocket costs.

Commercial Insurance Negotiated Rates

Negotiated contract ranges established by major commercial carriers at this facility.

Carrier / Plan Group	Contract Rate Range	vs. Medicare Reference
Aetna	$44 - $495	41%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$44 - $298	41%
Molina	$44 - $121	41%
Amerivantage	$46 - $124	43%
Humana	$46 - $124	43%
UnitedHealthcare	$46 - $273	43%
Wellmark Uph Self-Funded	$90 - $253	84%
Cigna	$92 - $1,314	86%
Health Partners Open Network	$100 - $351	94%
Amerigroup	$102	95%
Iowa Total Care	$102	95%
Medica Exchange Inspire	$795	744%
Medica Exchange Insure	$892	835%

Self-Pay Upfront Cash Action Plan

Request a "Self-Pay classification" with the billing desk before receiving care.
Ask for a written "Prompt-Pay Discount" agreement quoting the price of $371.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 72131.

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Contact your insurance company to confirm Unitypoint Health - Des Moines Iowa Methodist Medi is fully in-network.
Ask your insurer if "Prior Authorization" is required for CPT code 72131.
Confirm the specific physician or imaging center is also in-network (not just the hospital building).
Audit your Explanation of Benefits (EOB) against the final itemized hospital invoice.